Decay Dilemma: Protect Your Kid’s Teeth With Dental Sealants
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once is the best way to help prevent your teeth from cavities. However, it is not always easy to thoroughly clean each deep groove and pit of your teeth, most especially those located at the back of the mouth. Molars are coarse, uneven and one of the most favourite place for food remains and bacteria to hide.
Fortunately, there is another safety net to help keep your molars clean. It is known as the dental sealant. A dental sealant is a thin coating that’s smeared on the surface of the molars to prevent the formation of cavities for several years. However, it is important to note that a sealant is not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Recent studies have shown that dental sealants can reduce the risk of tooth decay by about 80% in molars. Sealants are essential, especially when it comes to your child’s oral health. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released the importance of dental sealants for school-going kids, of which only 45% of the children between the ages of 6-11 had the sealants. According to the CDC, those children without sealants were three times more prone to cavities than ones with sealants. Here is why you should consider dental sealants for your child.
Dental Sealants are long-lasting
Sealants can protect your child’s teeth for up to 10 years. However, they need to be regularly checked and maintained by your dentists to ensure that there are no cracks or damage. It is possible for decay to get under your tooth in case the sealant is worn down or broken. It is important to have the sealants checked at least twice annually for maintenance or replacement.
Quick and Painless Treatment
Application of sealants is a completely painless and the procedure is quick. The sealants are applied to the tooth surface with a liquid resin which hardens rapidly. It takes about 3-5 minutes to apply the resin and dry. As soon as the sealants are set, encourage your child to avoid chewing on ice or any chewy and hard candies that may dislodge the sealant. Sealants are a great option to help your child avoid the risk of developing a cavity, which can be painful to fill and repair.
Cost Effective
Just like any other medical and dental treatment, costs can vary depending on the service provider and the insurance plan. However, there are several insurance companies which cover dental sealants for 6-12 year molars as part of a child’s preventative care services.
Bottom Line
Even the most dedicated flossers and teeth brushes cannot get every bit of plaque and food from each groove of their teeth. Dental sealants offer a protective layer to your child’s teeth thus saving them from the expensive and unpleasant fillings. At Springvale Dental Clinic, we work hard to make your child feel at ease and comfortable by offering exceptional patient care in a calm and convenient environment. Contact our dental clinic in Melbourne today or schedule an appointment if you have any questions concerning dental sealants. Also, contact us if you want to know whether your child can benefit from sealants.
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